The GS1 country prefix or GS1 country number is a three-digit number used by GS1 to identify local GS1 organizations. They form the first component of a GTIN, an EAN and a UPC, for example. The manufacturer of a product can receive one (or more) company code(s) from one (or more) of these GS1 organizations (subject to a fee, depending on company size, annual fee). The number refers to the manufacturer of a product, but not necessarily to the place of manufacture.

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/GS1-Länderpräfix